JAPANESE LANGUAGE
From “Nippon” to “Nihon”: The Evolution of Japan’s Name
What's so controversial about a country's name? In the case of "Japan", 1,300 years of history have led to disputes over just…
News
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JAPANESE LANGUAGE
SOCIETY
Umbrella Theft Inspires Some in Japan to Get Clever
Umbrella theft is a vexing problem in Japan - inspiring some to invent clever ways to prevent people from purloining their parasols.
CULTURE
The Lesser-Known Festivals of Japan: Let Loose Edition
A survey of three of Japan's more light-hearted festivals that focus on the less serious subjects of nudity, navels, and nasty words.
RACE IN JAPAN
Video: Black Lives Matter in Japan
We talk with an organizer of the Black Lives Matter march in Osaka about her work - and how she hopes things…
LAW & CRIME
With New Ito Shiori Lawsuit, Japan’s Troll Backlash Continues
Ito Shiori's lawsuit against people who have defamed her on social media is part of a growing trend in Japan aimed at…
ENTERTAINMENT
Battle Royale: From Dystopian Thriller to Cult Classic
How a book that was first rejected as too dark and too close to current events became a breakaway hit and a…
ENTERTAINMENT
Studio Ghibli Announces Miyazaki Goro’s Third Film
After a six year hiatus, the legendary animation studio is entering a real revival. See the details on Miyazaki Goro's new film,…
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Japanese Writing: Pronunciation Shifts in the Edo Period
How Japanese writing and Japanese written speech differed in the Edo period - and how pronunciation came closer to what's spoken today.